You've come to this article to settle a question that may have entered your mind while waiting in line at a cafe. What is the difference between an espresso vs latte? Latte has one main ingredient that sets it apart from Espresso or plain coffee, and that is MILK.
What is an Espresso?
Espresso is a highly concentrated version of the typical brewed coffee. It is made by grinding coffee beans into very tiny particles (almost like powder) and subjecting the grounds to high amounts of pressure. It is preferably consumed as a quick pick-me-up. It is also a great way to taste test the strong nuances of coffee.
Espresso is much thicker than regular coffee. It's basically the bare version of all coffee drinks. It is unmasked coffee in its purest form. Due to its strong concentration, espresso is ideal for use in beverages like latte.
What is Latte?
Latte contains 1/6 of espresso, 4/6 steamed milk, and 1/6 foamed milk. Based on these proportions, it's safe to say that latte is just milk with a dash of coffee. It's the perfect drink for people who are easily overwhelmed by the strong taste of coffee but still want that jolt of caffeine.
To make latte, milk is prepared in two different ways: steamed and foamed. Making steamed milk is easy. Heating it up on a stove top or in a microwave is all that's needed.
However, a little more attention to detail is needed to produce foamed milk. An electric mixer, milk frother, or hand mixer is used to make foamed milk. Foaming requires an experienced hand because attaining a light texture to complement the coffee is not as easy as it looks.
If you're not the type who would go the extra mile to froth milk manually, then an electric frother, such as the one below, may just be what you need.
Espresso vs Cappuccino
Read our article on espresso vs cappuccino.
If you want to enjoy espresso and latte on a daily basis, then having the tools you need at home can help you save a lot in the long run. Detailed below are two of the best ones that are available in the market today:
Simple Taste Electric Foam Milk Frother
Great For: lattes and cappuccinos (and other espresso beverages with foamed milk)
This little tool to make fantastic lattes is a simple and easy way to make light and frothy milk. It is also the perfect option if you do not want to spend too much on a frother.
Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Great For: espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes
This machine produces espresso that is a really good base for latte. It is priced higher, but the quality is absolutely worth the cost.
Espresso vs Latte
Would you rather drink a small cup of espresso straight up, or do you prefer latte instead? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
